JOHN W LEGGE of Smithfields, Totnes writes:

I read with interest the piece entitled 'Olympic runners puzzle', April 4, as it seemed to provide such a contrast to the scene of my Easter story, based on the last Olympics in our country, in the same issue.

I have personal experience with the process concerning the 2012 Olympic torch having featured on the shortlist for taking part and this presented me with a dilemma due to its taking place on a Sunday, May 20.

This conflict of interests resulted from the fact of my attending church on Sundays and the responsibility of remembering the Lord Jesus.

However, this was resolved after many months by my failing to make the final few chosen for the task; in fact I kept an 'Olympic torch diary' recording my thoughts and training experiences over that period.

I am grateful to have been blessed with a long running career which has taken me all over the British Isles and over that period of time there have been many decisions to be made. Sometimes these have been choices between racing at a higher level or attending church; the Olympic marathon trials of the seventies and representing the county over 20 miles were opportunities afforded me on the running scene but as a Christian it was more important to remember the Lord.

Racing memories of competing in the Milton Keynes International Marathon among several races over the 26 miles 385 yards; being Devon County 1,500 metres champion; racing in the AAA 10,000 metres road race trial; six National Cross Country Championships over nine miles; and even taking part in the Highland Games 800 metres and racing the Ben Nevis Half are among the highlights and I still train around 50 miles monthly.

However, all the medals, trophies and awards pale into insigificance with knowing Christ as my Saviour.

To return to the Olympic torch debate, I suspect as mentioned in the article that it will be far too late to alter the plans already in place.

Having studied the history of athletics in Devon and had a book published on the topic, the format and procedures regarding the Olympic torch and the Games themselves have altered out of all recognition from the 1948 event.

Personally, I look forward to being at the field and track Olympic trials competition in June, as a spectator, God willing.